Legendary MLB broadcaster retires from play-by-play duties after fans slammed his Yankees-Royals coverage

After 44 years of calling Major League Baseball action, Bob Costas has taken off his headset for the final time. 

Costas is retiring from play-by-play baseball duties, which was a decision he made before the start of the season. It also coincided with the end of his contract with TBS. 

Costas will continue his duties as an analyst for MLB Network and helping with special events like the annual National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, per The Athletic.

After 15 years as MLB Network’s lead play-by-play commentator, he will also end those responsibilities. He held that role since the network’s launch. 

Costas’ last time calling baseball was the end of the American League Division Series between the Yankees and Royals.  

Costas is an iconic figure within the sport, having been on the call for many important games

Costas began to irritate the fans in Kansas City and New York by the end of the series with his enthusiasm for moments that they felt did not deserve it, as well as some incorrect calls on the headset. 

In one moment during the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the series, Costas declared a liner off the bat of Kansas City’s Vinnie Pasquantino to be a ‘base hit to center field’ only for Yankee shortstop Anthony Volpe to make a diving catch in shallow right-center field.  

‘It was smothered out there,’ Costas exclaimed. ‘I don’t know if it was caught.’

TBS color commentator and retired MLB pitcher Ron Darling was quick to correct Costas: ‘It was caught.’

‘Oh my gosh,’ Costas responded. ‘What a play.’  

Costas has won 28 Emmys throughout his career and had more experience in sports broadcasting than almost anyone else still active in the industry. 

Costas first rose to prominence on NBC during a broadcast partnership with Tony Kubek. 

In 2018, he was inducted into the broadcasting wing of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.